Plus-size model Liris Crosse has explained why she spoke out after a difficult Project Runway appearance, saying she wanted to help other models feel able to challenge treatment they consider unacceptable.
The 47-year-old model became the centre of controversy following the unconventional materials challenge in the seventh episode of the show's 22nd season, which aired on 20 August 2026.
Designer Bryan Barrientos initially planned a bubble-wrap look before changing direction and creating a garment from heavy electrical cords and what Crosse described as a used garbage bag.
On 24 August, Crosse released a YouTube video discussing the experience, explaining how the incident affected her emotionally and why she felt compelled to speak publicly.
Liris Crosse Reveals Her Emotional Reaction
Crosse said she was disappointed by the design and felt that insufficient consideration had been given to how the garment would look on her body.
In her 24 August YouTube video, Crosse described the moment she saw the design: 'My spirit, in that moment, was broken.' Crosse said the design felt thoughtless and that she was disappointed by how the garment looked and felt on her body. Those assessments reflect her account of the experience.
She also revealed that she struggled to contain her emotions before walking down the runway but ultimately completed her professional responsibilities.
Her comments prompted discussion about how designers work with models of different body sizes, although the incident does not establish how other designers or productions treat their models.
Why Crosse Decided To Speak Out
Crosse chose to share her experience publicly on 24 August 2026, hoping to encourage other models to advocate for themselves when they feel mistreated.
She believes models deserve recognition for their professionalism, experience and contribution to the creative process rather than being treated solely as bodies displaying clothing. Her account drew attention to the treatment of plus-size models and the importance she places on care and collaboration during fittings.
Other models subsequently contacted Crosse to express appreciation for her willingness to discuss the incident, according to her account. She hopes her actions will make it easier for younger models to raise concerns without fearing that speaking up will damage their careers.
In 2017, Crosse became the first plus-size model to win the modelling portion of Project Runway, a milestone she has discussed in connection with her advocacy for representation.
Christian Siriano Gives Crosse a Runway Opportunity
After Crosse publicly discussed her Project Runway experience in August, she pursued an opportunity to walk in Christian Siriano's New York Fashion Week show.
The model had previously expressed interest in working with Siriano but struggled to contact him directly. She eventually shared an Instagram video expressing her desire to walk in his show, prompting the designer to respond and arrange for his casting team to contact her.
Crosse walked in Siriano's New York Fashion Week presentation on 10 September 2026, fulfilling her ambition to work with the designer. She also booked five shows during the fashion week season, despite concerns that speaking publicly could affect her career.
The achievement was particularly meaningful to Crosse, who has spent years challenging expectations surrounding age and body size in the fashion industry.
Has Bryan Barrientos Responded?
Crosse said in her September interview with People that Barrientos had not contacted her since the controversy, adding that she was at peace with that. She acknowledged that Project Runway is a high-pressure competition and said she did not consider Barrientos an evil person.
In her interview, Crosse said other models had thanked her for reminding audiences that modelling is skilled work. She described speaking out as uncomfortable but worthwhile if it helped others feel able to do the same.
Nevertheless, she believes the experience could have been handled differently. Crosse said that several designers from the season and the show's producers contacted her following the controversy. She did not identify the designers.
Crosse said the designers expressed that they were upset about her experience, while producers conveyed their appreciation for her involvement with the programme. She has framed her decision to speak publicly as an effort to encourage respect for models and make it easier for others to raise concerns.
For Crosse, the controversy was about more than a single television appearance. She said she hoped speaking up would help the next generation of models defend their professional dignity.
